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A Sea of Supporters Mourn Indian Politician

NEW DELHI — Hundreds of thousands of people poured into the streets of Mumbai on Sunday to mourn the death of one of the city’s most powerful and controversial figures, the right-wing political leader Bal K. Thackeray.

Mr. Thackeray, 86, who died on Saturday, was cremated Sunday in a ceremony at the city’s Shivaji Park, which was attended by political leaders, movie stars and thousands of others.

For years, Mr. Thackeray’s party, Shiv Sena, has been a major force in Mumbai politics, and the police have remained on high alert to protect against riots and violence following his death.

Crowds of his supporters paralyzed Mumbai, India’s largest city, and many shopkeepers simply closed their stores after his death was announced.

Mr. Thackeray built his career by championing Hindu causes in Mumbai and stoking grievances against Muslims and outsiders.